WillowWindow Member

Thank you for the the Cancer Society link. I read it , but I choose to err on the side of caution. I never need to eat aspartame, so I don't see that as a problem. Since it occurs in so many foods, along with things like trans fat, artificial flavour boosters, and GMO soy and corn products I think my best bet is to avoid…

I won't eat aspartame or other artificial sweeteners any more. Their track history is terrible. The FDA approves stuff and then years later we learn it's a carcinogen. Anyway, adults can make their own decisions, but I don't agree with putting so much of that stuff on the market for children. I had to quit chewing gum…

Yeah, I know. And we're not alone. Occasionally if I'm out and can't find anything to eat I get a large fries with ketchup from somewhere. About 550 calories, so that's my meal. First time I thought I had blown it (until I checked the calories), but have you seen the database of fast food on here? I'd be willing to bet…

Bring yourself an omelet from home. Bring milk and sweetener and order your starbucks plain. If you stock up your desk with safe foods and snacks then you're less vulnerable to food envy. Buy a portable zippered cold pack container if you need to so you have stuff at your desk. Include treats and stuff you like on your…

What an inspiring story for all the dads and husbands out there who need to be looking out for their health. What I especially appreciate is that you focused on the health improvements you experienced. You look wonderful but your real reward, as you said, is being there to walk your daughter down the aisle (and bounce the…

You're welcome! Just want to mention one other thing-- losing weight sometimes brings out emotions that are masked by sedating yourself with food. I know from experience. Best to try to address these as they come up and develop healthier strategies than eating to address them. Getting support from others rather than eating…

You may have developed some unreal expectations if you've been believing what all those diets promised. There is no holy grail or magic diet that makes multiple pounds melt away overnight, and really if you look at how much fat that 2 pounds really is, ( look at 2 lbs of ground meat at the grocery store) you will realize…

The good thing is you should be burning off a LOT of extra calories teaching. :) When I was teaching ( retired now) I used all the suggestions above. My mainstays were natural peanut butter sandwiches on toast, ( soy) cheese sandwiches, hummus wraps, cut up veggies-- or sometimes just washed if I was in a hurry, apples (…

It seems to me that your weight loss rate is very good. 7 lbs in 4 weeks in over a pound a week, which is a good safe weight loss rate. You are changing your life to do this, it should be sustainable over the long term. Maybe wait another month and see if you are still losing well before you change anything? Anyway,…

Binging can be emotional or because you are on too restrictive a calorie allowance or-- just about anything. It's helpful to try to identify the times you are most vulnerable and what your body is trying to tell you. I read that people tend to eat the same weight of foods as on the previous day. If you just want to fill…

Thanks for the energy bar calorie count! I'll try them. :)

Great feeling, isn't it? Well done! :)

Tummy Be Gone! Great work!

Lots of fat gone off the back and rear areas and overall smoother and more toned. Good work!!!! :)

Do you know the calorie count of the energy bars? I'm always looking for new recipes. :)

You look good! You must feel great about the dress. I've only lost 20+ pounds but fat is melting off since I strted weight training.This morning I put on a knit top that used to be tight and it's falling off the shoulders and about 4 inches longer in length. Ain't life grand? Keep up the good work! :)

Thanks. Just started stage 1 and all encouragement helps. Though your measurements changed moderately, I see a huge change in your body fat and overall composition. If you had a true BMI comparison I bet it would show a BIG change. Good-bye cellulite, hello smooth and sexy. :) Congrats.

Nuts, nuts, nuts. 1/4 cup of almonds has around 290 calories and 1/4 cup is nothing. Cashews are even higher. Then there are walnuts, pistachios, and peanuts to name a few. If you snack on nuts you should be able to get a lot of calories in a small amount of food. And nuts are very heart healthy and great for vegetarians.

Produce from farmer's markets and stands should last longer. simply because it's fresher and hasn't been transported as far. If you shop there you will pretty much be assured of getting seasonal food, which is much cheaper. If you want to decrease costs, go for lentils, split peas, and beans of all kinds. Buy them dry and…

It's an old post but somebody might still find it useful. I found they have them at Future shop online: http://www.futureshop.ca/Search/SearchResults.aspx?path=ca77b9b4beca91fe414314b86bb581f8en20&q=Fitbit&sp=FS_en-CA_Site-WideSP&Category=EntireSite&pcname=MCCPCatalog&AllowSecure=True

Congratulations. Great legs!

I also just started NROL4W (Workout A and B completed) and I'm in the same situation as you -- I have a substantial amount of weight to lose (about 50 lbs). I lost 20 lbs walking and counting calories with MFP but was starting to have knee pain that cut into my walking, feeling tired all the time, and was developing loose…

Thanks. Great to hear about the energy boost and less risk of diabetes, because I'm looking forward to both. :)

Thanks, everyone. These are some incredible and touching stories. So helpful to hear them. Big hugs to you all.

Great job! 100 pounds is amazing and very inspirational to me. Can you comment on the health benefits?

I see a big difference in overall size and reduction of fat in your stomach and arms, hips, legs, everything and you look more toned. I think one problem for many of us is that while we get smaller we stay the same general shape until we reduce enough fat to get nearer our goal. I find the "stubborn" or…

Re: Eminem " Lose Yourself" : I just listened on youtube. Forgot how good eminem really is. This has great lyrics and a message beyond violence and sex, which is just a cut above, IMO.

Usually no dessert but occasionally I like a sweet snack.Then it might be a Tofutti "Marry Me" ice cream bar - yummy 168 calories, 1/8 cup Thompson raisins mixed with 1 Tb Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips - 179 calories, frozen banana- 100 calories, or a small gala apple smeared with 1 TB organic peanut butter--180 calories.

It probably depends on what you eat it with, as someone pointed out. If there's no protein and little fiber in the meal, it could be acting the same as sugar, especially if it's not whole grain pasta. For anyone who doesn't like whole wheat pasta, I recommend Tinkyada (or any good) brown rice pasta, because it tastes a lot…

Great accomplishment!!! Wish I had that much determination; hope you are enjoying better health and being able to do so much more than before. :)